Jn.13v3-15: Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are you washing my feet”? Jesus answered and said to him, “what I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will know after this”. Peter Sid to him, “You shall never wash my feet”. Jesus answered him, “if I do not wash you, you have no part with Me”. Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head”. Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you. For He knew who would betray him; therefore, He said, “you are not all clean”. So when He had washed their feet, taken his garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “do you know what I have done to you? You call me teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

When it comes to serving the Lord, there are certain requirements that God is looking out for in his services or servants. It’s important for you to meet these conditions if your service will be acceptable or not. The truth of the matter is that it takes certain things to serve the Lord and from the passage in (Jn.13v3-15), Jesus clearly shows us the importance of possessing these qualities if we are to serve the Lord in spirit and in truth. What made Jesus stoop that low to wash and clean His disciples’ feet was love and many other things we will discuss in this series. So my dear reader, do you really want to serve God? I  believe the answer is a Yes, so what are the things it will take for you to serve God.

REQUIREMENTS OF SERVICE:

1. Humility. It takes humility to serve the Lord as God cannot use a proud or arrogant man. In fact, a prideful person or someone that is full of himself cannot serve God. You can see our Lord Jesus demonstrated this virtue clearly in (Jn.13v14-15); you need to humble yourself if you really want God to use you (Jam.4v6, 10). Humility will not only take you to the top but it will keep you there. The way up is the way down, so it’s time for you to humble yourself before the Lord in your service to him (2Cor.3v5-6).
2. Love. Without love, you can’t serve the Lord, for those who are selfish or self-centred cannot serve God, His people and His purpose. And when I speak of love here, I am talking of the unconditional, selfless and sacrificial love of God. This is the kind of love that Jesus displayed in (Jn.13v3-15) and this is the love you are to imbibe or indicate into your service (1Cor.11v24, 33). My dear reader, let this kind of love be the motivation for your service in the Kingdom.
3. Teachability. It takes being teachable to serve God and his purposes. Teachability is the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn. Are you a teachable worker or vessel? The likes of Apollos, Samuel and Elisha are examples of teachable people; no wonder they excel in their service to God (Acts 18v24-28). So how can you recognize a teachable worker? They:
   – Are willing to learn from others i.e. contemporary, superiors or juniors.
   – Are willing to learn from anybody i.e. male. Female. Young or old etc. (Pro.24v30, 32).
   – Willing to learn anything.
   – Anywhere i.e. regardless of culture, race or background.
   – Willing to learn from nature (Pro.6v9).

My dear reader, it takes being like a child in order to be teachable. Are you ready to embrace this mentality? I believe your answer is a definite Yes! See you therefore in the land of profitable service.

Other Scriptural References: (Pro.15v12; 2Ki.3v11; 1Cor.13v5; Rom.15v2; Jn.15v13; Acts 9v19, 28; Jn.3v36; 2Cor.3v5-6; Matt.12v18-19).

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, help me to serve the way Jesus served in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: Lord, I take delight in serving the Lord and his Kingdom. Serving the Lord is my preoccupation and joy. Therefore, I choose to serve the Lord in humility and the fear of God. I choose to serve in love and with love. I am willing to learn, relearn and unlearn whatever I am doing so that I can serve the Lord better. Thank you, Jesus, for this glorious opportunity of service.

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.